BAGHDAD — Iraq’s top Shiite cleric Ali Al-Sistani Friday welcomed proposed reforms aimed at curbing corruption and streamlining the government, but said more were needed, especially for the judiciary.



Prime Minister Haider Al-Abadi on Sunday announced a reform program in response to weeks of protests and a call from Sistani, and parliament approved the plan along with additional measures two days later.



“We appreciate that, and hope that these decisions are implemented in the near future,” Sistani said in remarks delivered by his representative Abdul Mahdi Al-Karbalai.



“We would like to point out that one of the most important requirements of the reform process... is reforming the judiciary, as it is an important pillar in completing the package of reforms, and there cannot be true reform without it,” he said.  — AFP